Driving and restraining means for self-balancing gyratory structures.



G. W. COMBS.

DRIVING AND RBSTRAINING MEANS FOR SELF BALANCING GYRATORY STRUCTURES.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 7, 1910.

Patented Deo. 29, 1914.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1,

Q1 INV BY earyf Ilma/MJ;

WIT/VE SES:

- G. W. COMES.

DRIVING AND NBSTNAINING MEANS PoR SELF BALANGING GYRATORY STRUCTURES.

. PPLIGATIQN FILED MAR. 7, 1910. 1 1 23, 1 7 1. Patented Dec. 29, 1914.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

GEORGE w. comas, or LEvENwonTH, musas.

DRIVING- AND RESTRAINING MEANS'FOR SELF-IBALANCING GYRATORY STRUCTURES.

Specification of Letters laten't.

Patented Dec. 29, 1914.

Appucann nied naren 7, 1910. 'serial No. 547,519.

T o all 'tollem 'it concern. l Be it kn'own that I, GEORGE W. Cones, acitizen of the United States, residing at yLeavenwor th,in the county ofLeavenworth and State of Kansas, have invented certaln Y new and usefulImprovements in Driving and Restraining Means. for Self-BalancingGyratory Structures, of which the followin is a specification yinvention relatesto improvements in drivlng and restraining means forselfbalancing gyratory structures, such as screens, lour-sifters,bolters, sorting-machines', etc., and my principal object is to providenew and novel means for, overcoming lunoingI or abnormal throw of thestructure while in operation. ,4

In order that the invention may be fully understood, reference will Ilow be made to thel ac companyingdrawings, ,inv which Figure 1 shows aside elevation partly7V in section of a gyratory structure provlded withmyimprovements. Fig. 2 is a horizontal section taken on line II-II ofFig. 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical section on line III of Fig. 1. Fig. 4ahorizontal section on line IV-IV of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 isa,modi lied formof structure provided with my improved driving and restraining means.Fig. 6 is a vertical section on line VI of Fig. 5, and Fig. 7 is ahorizontal section on line VII- VII of Fig. 6.

l designates a sifter` structure, freelysuspended for gyration byiexible' rods 2, attached to a point overhead as a ceiling of thebuilding containing the structure. Structure 1 is provided withcentrally-disposed bearings 3 in which a shaft 4 for actuating thelstructure is journaled, said shaft being provided witheccentric-weights 5 to assist in imparting a gyratory motion to thestructure. Shaft 4 has axial movement in bearings 3, so that it will notmove upwardly with the structure when the same swings outward and upwardinto its gyratory path.

6 designates a collar fixed to the lower portion of the shaft by asetscrew 7 and preferably abutting against the lower bearing l3 toprevent the shaft from moving upward without tending to raise 4thestructure therewith, as in the present instance I utilize not only theweight of the shaft and the eccentric-weights carried, thereby, but alsothe weight of the lstructure 1, in restraining the same from abnormalthrow.

I, however, do not limit myself to this arrangement as collar 6 may bedispensed wlth in which instance shaft 4 'will be free to movevertically independently of the structure', and with the weights, assistmaterially in restraining the structure from abnormal throw.

, 8 designates an eccentric-pin secured to the lower end of l'shaft 4,and extending downward into a lubricant-chamber 9, normally closed by alid 10, loosely-mounted thereon, so that said lid may move laterally 1nanydirection with pin 8, which it loosely embraces. Pin 8 is carried bya weighted restraining member 11, comprising in its preferred form acircular weighted portion 12 extending in a horizontal plane, anupwardly-extending `wall 13, forming a centrally-disposedlubricant-chamber 14, and a 'central portion 15 securedto the mainportion with set-screws 1 6, and provided with a centralupwardly-extending stem 17, terminating in a spherical head 18, freelyseatedina socket-member 19 fixed to the lower end of pin 8 to protectsaid end from wear. The centrally-disposed portion 15 terminates at itslower end in a convex surface 20, whichis free to rock in any directionupon the fiat surface 21 of a retaining member 22, whereby therestraining member 11 is carried. Member 22 is arranged in axialalinement with member 11, and has a convex periphery 23 fitting snuglywithin the concaved portion 24 of member 11, the connection between thetwo being similar to that of a ball-and-socket joint, so that whilemember 11 is free to rock in any direction upon member 22, it isprevented by the latter from .shifting laterally against the interior ofthe `lubricant-chamber. Member 2 2 is fixed upon a centrally-disposedstep-bearing 25, extending upwardly within the lubricantchamber tosupport the vrestraining member above the bottom of said chamber, sothat it will not contact therewith while in operation.

Lubricant-chamber 9 is surrounded by a flange 26 supported by abase-plate 27 provided with set-screws 2 8 to adjust the lubricant-chamber concentrically with the eccentric-pin 8.

29 designates a cushion. interposed between fiange26 and base-plate 27,to allow the restraining member 11 to yield slightly beneath the weightof the structure in overcoming abnormal gyration thereof, said y throw.Belt 31 runs over a pair of idlers 32 andaround a'stationary,drive-pulley 33, fixed upon a journaled shaft 34. l Belt 31is assisted inirestrainingthe structure from abnormal throw byaiiexifble member or endless belt 35, adjustably-mounted upon abase-'plate 38 provided,v 'with set-screws 39 whereby idler 36 maybeadjusted backward v to .adjust the bracket andthe idler 36 laterally.Idlers 32 are carried by brackets 41 adjustably mounted upon base-plates42, provided with set-screws 43 to adjust the brackets backward orforward for the pur--v pose of tensioning belts 31 and 35. Baseplates 42are also provided with set-screws 44 to adjust the brackets 41laterally.

When structure 1 is in operation` any tendency to lunge or leave itstrue gyratory course and thus cause the eccentric-pin to move in anorbit, is resisted by the restraining member 11, which is caused torock' or swing upon the retaining member 22 by any lateral or orbitalmovementl ofl said pin.

This movement, owing to the long curve of the convex surface 20 of therestraining member, tends to raise the same against the resistance ofits weighted portion 12, the eccentric-pin 8, shaft 4, and weights 5,all of which,l bearing downward thereon, tend to restore saidrestraining member to its norturn the structure to its truepath oftravel. l.Resistance to -lunging of the structure is further increasedif collar 6 be applied to shaft 4, as upward movement lof said shaftweight of saidstructure. Cushion 29, however, will yieldunder the weightof structure 1, so that the latter will be lifted onlyv in rareinstances, as=I find in practice that the weight ofthe shaft and theparts car-j Aried thereby, ytogether with the weighted member 11,'isordinarily suiiicient to overcome abnormal throw of the structure. Thebelts 31 and 35 also coact withtherestraining means, just mentioned, inholding the structure Ato itstrue gyratory path and-in overcomingabnormal throw thereof, as said belts pull Ain opposite directions ondriver 30, and thus tend to overcome lateral Inovement thereof. y

The construction and operation ofthe parts'ofthe modified form shown inFigs. 5 to 7 inclusive,.is substantially the same as that shown in thepreferred form, but in or- 65 der that said modified form may be fullyor forward to tension belts 31 and 35. Baseplate 38 is also providedwith set-screws 40 mal position shown in Fig. 3, and thus re-v will thenbe further resisted by the addedl bearings located in two bridge-treesof the sifter l, said collars being suitably fixed to `the crank-shaft4a. The lower end of crankwshaft'4a extends 'downwardy 'into alubricantchamber 9a-normally closed by 'a lid ,10Si loosely-mountedthereon so that it can move laterally in any' direction with thecrankshaft. ,The crank-shaft 4 is carried by a weighted restrainingmember .11. comprising a weighted portion 12, and a centrall portion 15aterminating in a spherical head 18"*` freely seated in a socket-member1.9 j fixed to the lower'end of the crank-shaft 4a.

`The weighted portion 121L terminates at its 90 lower end in a longconvex surface 20a, which is free to rock in any direction upon the flatsurface 21a of a 'steel button fixed upona centrally-disposedstep-bearing 25m,- formed by` the lower portion of'lthelubricant-chambery 9a. The reduced lower portion of thelubricant-chamber 9a loosely embraces the convex periphery 23sl yof. theweighted' portion 12` of the restraining member and prevents the llowerportionvof 100 the latter from moving laterally over the step-bearing,although, as above stated' it is free to rock in any direction thereon,should the lower, end of the crank-shaft move laterally or orbitally.l/Vhile` the restraininglO member 152L is 'sufficient under ordinarycircumstances to limit lateral or 'orbital movement of the crank-shaft,such movement is positively checked after attaining certainproportionsby a roller 249L loosely-embrac-.llO ing the lower portion ofthe crank-shaft and adapted to contact with the vertical interior face24b of the lubricant-chamber. Roller 24a issupported independently ofthe crankshaft by a horizontal face 24c within the 115 lubricant chamber 9a. Lubricantchamber 9'is surrounded by. a flange 26 supported bya base-plate 27a provided with set-screws 28" to adjust thelubricant-chamber concentrically with the lower end of the crankshaft.29a designates an annular cushion interposed between ange 26at andbase-plate 27a to assist the restraining member 11a in overcomingabnormal gyration of the structure. 30a designates a' driver fixed to'the 125 lower -portion of shaft 4l and driven by an endless belt 31Lwhich assists member 11'L in restraining the structure from abnormal'throw.' Belt 31a runsover -idlers 32L and around a stationarydrive-pulley 33, fixed 130 f upon a journaled shaft 34. Belt 31a isassisted in restraining the structure from abnormal throw by an endlessbelt 35 running around driver a and an idler 36a carried by a bracket37a, adjustably mounted upon a base-plate 38a, provided with setscrewswhereby idler 36a may be adjusted backward or forward to tension belts31A structure, a shaft for actuating the same,

and a rockingly-mounted restraining element carrying the weight of theshaft and coacting therewith to restrain the structure from abnormalthrow, said element beingnormally in axial alinement with the shaft.

2. In combination, a body freely supported for gyration, avertically-positioned shaft tliereto` for actuating the same,eccentricvveights on said shaft, an eccentric-pin carrying the weight ofthe shaft and the weights carried thereby, and a rockin'glymountedweighted restraining member having a ball-and-socket connection withsaid eccentric-pin to restrain the same from lateral or orbitalmovement. I

3. In combination, a normally-gyratable structure, a shaft thereto foractuating the same, means fixed to said shaft to prevent the same frommoving upward independently of the structure, andl restraining meanscarrying the weight of the shaft and tending to raise the same when thestructure leaves its true gyratory path.

4. In combination, a structure freely supported for gyration, andrestraining means operatively connected with said structure and tendingto lift the same when itleaves its true gyra-tory path, said restrainingmeans being yieldingly supported so that it may move downward beneaththe weight of the structure when the same leaves normal path ofgyration.

5. In combination, a gvratory body, restraining means coacting with saidbody to restrain the same from abnormal throw by tending to lift theweight thereof, and resilient means supporting said restraining means toallow the same limited movement beneath the weight of the body.

6. In combination, a gyratory body, a shaft thereto for actuating thesame, means fixed to said shaft to prevent upward movement thereofindependent of the body, re-

straining means tendingto raise the shaft when Vthe body leaves its truegyratory path, and a cushion to allow limited downward movement of saidrestraining means beneath the weight of said body.

7. In combination, a structure, means freely-supporting the same forgyration, a restraining member to prevent thestructure from lungingwhile'in operation, said restraining member including a weightedportion, and a retaining member having a convex periphery snuglyembraced by the restraining member which is free to rock or swing in anydirection.

8. In combination, a normally-gyratable structure, means to prevent thesame from rotating, a Weighted restraining member coacting with thestructure-to steady the same, said restraining member having a convexsurface, and a retaining member for said restraining member having aflat surface` movably engaged by the convex surface of the restrainingmember.

9. In combination, a gyratory structure,

restraining means, to steady said structure, a lubricant-chamber inlwhich said restraining means is mounted, and cushioning means to permitvertical movement of said chamber under varied pressure.

10. In combination, a structure freely supported for gyration, means forimparting a gyratory motion thereto, restraining means to steady thestructure, and a yieldingly-mounted lubricant-chamber in which saidrestraining means is mounted.

11. In combination, a freely-supported structure, means for imparting agyratory motion thereto, restraining means to steady said structure toprevent the latter from lungng, a lubricant-chamber in which saidrestraining means is operatively mounted, and resilient means supportingsaid chamber.

12. In combination, a gyratory structure, restraining means coactingwith said structure to prevent the same from lungng, and alubricant-chamber in which said restraining means is operativelymounted, said lubricant-chamber being yieldingly-mounted to coperatewith said restraining means.

13. In combination, a gyratory structure,

a shaft thereto, restraining means coacting with said shaft to steadythe structure, a lubricant-chamber containing said restraining means andinto which the lower end of said shaft extends, and means for adjustingsaid lubricant-chamber concentrically with the shaft.

14. `In combination a freely suspended structure, a shaft uthereto, apulley fixed to said shaft, endless driving and, restraining means todrive the pulley and restrain the structure from abnormal throw, andrestraining means tending to lift the structure to assist in steadyingthe same.

15. In combination, a freely-suspended' structure, a shaft thereto, foractuating the same, a pulleyfixed to said shaft, yielding means fordriving said pulley and restraining the structure from abnormal throw,and rockingly-mounted means coacting with the steadying the structure.

16. In combination, a freely-supported structure, a shaft thereto, vacollar fixed to :said shaft and abutting against an under portion of thestructure, and restrainino means supportin i the weight of the sha andtending to li t the same when the structure leaves its true gyratorycourse.

17. In combination, a gyratory structure including a shaft, and arockingly-mounted restraining member for the structure including aspherical head upon which the shaft rests so that the same will not rockthe said restraining member, and an upwardly-extending wall formingavlubricant-chamber containing the lower end of the shaft and said.spherical head.

yielding driving and restraining means 18. In combination, a gyratorystructure, a'l shaft thereto, a driver for said shaft, and a restrainingmember tending to restrain the structure from lunging, said restrainingmember having a 'circular 'weighted .portion and a centrally-upwardlyextend-ing 'stem having a ball-and-socket connection with the shaft) 19.In combination, a gyratory structure, a shaft thereto, a retainingmember below theshaft and having a convex periphery, and a restrainingmember rockingly-mounged on said retaining member, said restrainingmember having a convex surface engaging the retaining member andy acentral -upwardly-extending stem having a ball-andsocket connection'with the shaft.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature, in the presence of twowitnesses.

GEORGE W. coMBs.

